Banksy first unveiled Monkey Parliament at an exhibition of The Bristol Museum in 2009. In this painting chimps take the place of the members of parliament at the House of Commons in London, and are in the middle of a session. The painting gives a detailed depiction of the interior of the building, with the overhanging lights, benches, upper floors, and the presiding chair, from which a chimp commands the attention of the audience.

The painting was made around the time of the parliamentary expenses scandal in the UK, in which members of parliament were found to have engaged in wasteful spending of funds allotted to them by taxpayers. This scandal resulted in the resignation, sacking, and imprisonment of numerous members.

The chimps represent the ineptitude of the politicians and the loss of confidence in them by the public following the scandal. The session depicted portrays members of parliament engaging in a useless charade. The work highlights the egotism and corruption of the politicians, who are dedicated to satisfying their own ends rather than serving the needs of the public, and of the public‰۪s alienation as a result.

About Banksy

Despite not calling himself an artist, Banksy has been considered by some as talented in that respect; he uses his original street art form, combined with Banksy stencil style. Due to the shroud of secrecy surrounding his real identity and his subversive character, Banksy has achieved somewhat of a cult following with his street art from some of the younger age group within the stenciling community. Tagging walls and billboards in the dark of night, sneaking around with a secret identity in urban areas. Leaving his political mark on the world for all to enjoy for free.

The infamous UK guerrilla artist, Banksy, is hitting the streets hard in London, Bristol, Australia, the USA, and just about everywhere in between. It‰۪s not only the curiosity of his identity that makes the artist famous, it‰۪s his impeccable political pieces and artwork that stir up discussions on the underlying themes. By calling attention to the issues depicted in his pieces, Banksy‰۪s controversial work requires people to think deeply about the issues he‰۪s attempting to bring to light.